IWD: ‘Women Roles At Home Under-appreciated’

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Nigerian women have lamented that in spite of the important role they play in the society, especially at home, they are under-appreciated.

The women made their views known on Monday in Abuja as part of events commemorating this year’s International Women’s Month, themed “Give to Gain,” organised by the Yar’Adua Foundation, through its Social Justice and Equity Programme.

The program also hosted a special film titled, ‘Aféfé’ in collaboration with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTVSAF), with support from the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria.

The film examines social norms and the gendered expectations embedded in everyday life and also draws attention to the unequal distribution of unpaid domestic work between men and women.

The film further highlights the far-reaching consequences this inequality has on women’s economic opportunities and general wellbeing, particularly across African societies.

During the panel discussion, the panelists interrogated the structures that sustain gender inequality and to imagine more equitable alternatives, a provocation that sits at the heart of what Give to Gain calls us toward.

Speaking, Head, Political Affairs Section, Canadian High Commission, Mr.Omar Alihashi said the event was aimed at raising awareness and to make sure that people understand that women play an important role.

Alihashi stated: “I think that the issue is not just an issue for Nigeria, but it’s a global problem. I think that gender equality and making sure that women have the same rights as men is something for all societies, not just Nigerian society. In short, it’s not just a Nigerian issue. It’s a global phenomenon.”

Also, the Programme Manager, Governance and Civic Engagement, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Lilian Mbaegbu explained that the event was about raising awareness about women’s contribution in the society, especially towards the unpaid labour of women.

According to her, Women all around the world, especially in our country, spend hours and hours of unpaid labour in the home, in the family. Just raising awareness as to this role, because sometimes it can go unnoticed. It can go unappreciated, it can go unobserved.

“So by raising awareness to the role that women play in the home, in the society, and just how we can better encourage women to get involved in productive work aside from them being at home,” she added.

On her part, Dr. Fatima Babari said despite the fact that women play a lot of roles in the home as caregivers, taking care of literally everybody in the home, they are highly underappreciated.

Asked how women can be better appreciated, she noted, “the woman takes care of the house, she does laundry, she looks after the children, she cooks food for the family. So what we’re trying to say is that the role that women play in the home should actually be seen and appreciated by everybody, by being monetized.”

Earlier, Director of Finance, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Babatunde Ahmadu said the film, ‘Aféfé (wind)’, offers a cinematic experience, and a mirror reflecting the everyday realities of gendered expectations and the unequal burden of unpaid care work that continues to shape women’s opportunities and wellbeing across the societies.